Head of BMW North America Jim O'Donnell forced to apologize over comments regarding Electric Vehicles?

Recently, Jim O'Donnel was quoted in an article about the ActiveE by The Detroit News. In the article, the head of BMWNA responded candidly with his thoughts on electric vehicles. One quote was that he felt diesels were far more likely to be adopted than electrics stating he was "far more optimistic" about their chances. He went on to say, "(EVs) won't work for most people. For at least 90 percent and maybe more of the population, (an EV) won't work (at the current battery range)."

That is not all, he also shared his political views on how he believes diesels in particular are facing a disadvantage due to tax credits for electrics. "I believe in a free economy. I think we should abolish all tax credits. What they are doing is putting a bet on technology, which is not appropriate. As a taxpayer, I am not sure this is the right way to go."

Now what is wrong with this exactly? In our opinion, nothing. Mr. O'Donnel is quite correct and should not have to apologize for his opinion. The issue really is the BMW "i" brand which is going to be focusing on electrics. It would seem BMW nudged him to apologize since they felt it didn't look too good for their head of BMWNA to be advocating leveling the playing field for diesel powerplants and not using taxpayer's money to fund EV's.

BMW should be patting him on the back for not being a green lemming and actually saying what we are all thinking. BMW should focus more on diesel power in the United States. The BMW "i" brand won't be the answer for the majority of commuters. BMW has lost focus. We commend him on saying what he feels and it is about time BMW got their swagger back. Mr. O'Donnel, we need more execs at BMW like yourself. We understand why they made you apologize, but thank you for speaking your mind.

The apology that came later:

Originally Posted by Jim O'Donnel

I sincerely apologize if I have offended the strong network of electric vehicle advocates whose support has been deeply meaningful to us at BMW. I am 100% behind our company's plans to design, develop, lease and sell electric vehicles.

Nothing was wrong with what he said at all. He pissed off EV fanatics by saying EV's are not the solution and should not be given huge breaks by the government. With BMW developing electric vehicles now he apparently ruffled some politically correct feathers.

O'Donnel is sorry if he offended the electric vehicle advocates by telling the truth about the EVs having an inadequate operating range. However, the EV advocates are to be blamed for being offended by the fact that should be known by anyone, not just by O'Donnel. He did not take it back as he spoke the truth.

O'Donnel is sorry if he offended the electric vehicle advocates by telling the truth about the EVs having an inadequate operating range. However, the EV advocates are to be blamed for being offended by the fact that should be known by anyone, not just by O'Donnel. He did not take it back as he spoke the truth.

Yep, but he still was forced into an apology which is lame considering he did nothing wrong. Politics... all it was.